Condition

Bunions

A bunion, is a progressive foot deformity that develops at the base of the big toe. They can range from mild cosmetic concerns to painful conditions that affect walking, exercise, footwear choices and overall quality of life.

Overview

What is it?

A bunion, medically known as Hallux Valgus, is a progressive foot deformity that develops at the base of the big toe. It occurs when the big toe gradually drifts towards the second toe, causing the joint at the base of the toe to protrude outward and form a noticeable bony bump.

How common is it?

Bunions are one of the most common foot conditions seen in podiatry clinics. They affect millions of people worldwide and are significantly more common in women than men. Although they can develop at any age, bunions become increasingly prevalent with age and are often influenced by genetics, foot structure and footwear choices.

Symptoms & Causes

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the bunion and the amount of joint irritation present. Common symptoms include:

A visible bump on the side of the big toe joint
Pain or tenderness around the bunion
Redness, swelling, or inflammation
Difficulty wearing certain shoes
Calluses developing between the first and second toes
Reduced movement of the big toe joint
Foot fatigue during prolonged walking or standing
Pain that worsens after activity

What causes it?

Bunions develop due to a combination of biomechanical and genetic factors rather than simply wearing tight shoes.

Common contributing factors include:

Family history of bunions
Flat feet or excessive pronation
Hypermobility of the foot joints
Abnormal foot biomechanics
Tight or narrow footwear
High heels worn regularly
Previous foot injuries
Certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis

How is it Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually straightforward and is based on standard clinical findings.

What tests are used to diagnose it?

1. Clinical History

Your podiatrist will discuss:

When symptoms first appeared
Whether the bunion has increased in size
Activities that aggravate symptoms
Family history of bunions
Previous treatments attempted
Current footwear habits

2. Physical Examination

A thorough examination may include:

Assessment of big toe alignment
Measurement of joint mobility
Identification of swelling or inflammation
Evaluation of pressure points and calluses
Assessment of foot posture and arch function
Observation of standing and walking mechanics

3. Gait & Biomechanical Analysis

At Foot Factor, detailed gait and biomechanical analysis can help identify the underlying factors contributing to bunion development.

This may reveal:

Excessive pronation
Flat foot mechanics
Joint instability
Uneven weight distribution
Abnormal loading through the forefoot

Understanding these factors allows treatment to target the root cause rather than simply managing symptoms.

Foot Factor provides Expert Podiatry Treatment Tailored to You.

At Foot Factor, our podiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating foot pain with precision and expertise. With advanced gait analysis, bespoke orthotics, and sports-focused podiatry care, we don’t just identify the problem—we provide a targeted solution to get you back to moving pain-free. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.